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The Daily Telegraph can exclusively reveal that the Multiplex claim is meant to mark the start of litigation and, should it go to court, could take three years to resolve. Multiplex, I understand, will refuse to hand over the keys of the stadium to Wembley National Stadium Ltd — an FA subsidiary — until the courts rule on their claim.

This latest twist has come after a series of legal rows which reveal the complete breakdown in the relationship between WNSL and Multiplex.

The latest follows seven months of wrangling which began when WNSL were desperate to get Wembley, which last staged a match in 2000, ready for the 2006 Cup final. The FA had told the world that Wembley would host the game.

WNSL even offered more money to Multiplex, around £25 million, plus a share of Cup final revenue. They were so keen for the final to be there that they were prepared to accept a Wembley which was not quite complete.

However, talks broke down when the banks, who have lent £433 million to WNSL, insisted Multiplex drop all claims, now and in the future. Multiplex refused and, following the 2006 Cup final fiasco, Wembley retaliated by withholding £38 million as a penalty for the late finish.

This started a string of legal claims, culminating in Multiplex's stunning £350 million claim.

Multiplex, who have lost money and reputation in this country, clearly feel they have nothing to lose and have hired the best lawyers.

Last month they secured an important victory over their sub-contractor, Cleveland Bridge, a case they were expected to lose.

WNSL continue to insist that all the fault lies with Multiplex, and yesterday a WNSL source refused to accept that Multiplex were winning the legal battle. The situation has considerably alarmed the Government and one source said: "We cannot allow this to go on. The two parties must be brought together. The ridiculous situation is that it will not take much to finish the project, but there is no trust between the two sides."

A WNSL spokesman said last night: "Multiplex have, from time to time, intimated various claims to us. We have refuted these claims and continue to believe that the delays to the construction of the stadium are delays that WSNL do not have responsibility for, such as the steel work and the installation of the roof."